Electric drive module configured as a beam axle

ABSTRACT

An electrically-operated electric drive module for use in a vehicle framework that is configured for a powertrain that includes an internal combustion engine. The electrically-operated electric drive module permits the vehicle to be converted to an electrically propelled vehicle in a manner that is cost-effective and which is relatively low in weight.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/790,254filed Jun. 30, 2022, which is a U.S. national phase entry ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2022/020286 filed Mar. 15,2022, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/161,218 filed Mar. 15, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/178,985 filed Apr. 23, 2021, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/220,204 filed Jul. 9, 2021. The disclosure of each ofthe above-referenced applications is incorporated by reference as iffully set forth in detail herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an electric drive module that isconfigured as a beam axle.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

There is increasing demand for electrically-powered commercial deliveryvehicles. One challenge that vehicle manufacturers face is theintegration of electric propulsion into a vehicle framework that wasdeveloped for and continues to support a powertrain that includes aninternal combustion engine. While various solutions have been proposed,none of these solutions has been met with widespread commercialacceptance.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In one form, the present disclosure provides an electric drive modulethat includes a housing, a pair of axle tubes, an electric motor, atransmission, a first bearing, and a differential. The housing has amotor mount and a pair of axle tube mounts. The motor mount defines amotor output shaft axis. The axle tube mounts are disposed along anoutput axis that is parallel to and offset from the motor output shaftaxis. The axle tubes are received into the axle tube mounts and arefixedly coupled to the housing. The electric motor has a motor outputshaft and is mounted to the motor mount such that the motor output shaftis rotatable about the motor output shaft axis. The transmission isreceived in the housing and includes a pinion gear, which is coupled tothe motor output shaft for rotation therewith, a pair of first compoundgears, and a transmission output gear that is rotatable about the outputaxis. Each of the first compound gears has a first gear, which ismeshingly engaged to the pinion gear, and a second gear that is fixedlycoupled to the first gear. The first compound gears transmit rotarypower between the pinion gear and the transmission output gear. Thefirst bearing is coupled to the housing and the transmission output gearand supports the transmission output gear axially along the output axisand radially about the output axis. The differential has a differentialinput member, which is fixedly coupled to the transmission output gear,and a pair of differential output members that are rotatable relative tothe differential input member about the output axis.

In another form, the present disclosure provides an electric drivemodule that includes a motor assembly, an output gear, a differentialassembly, a transmission assembly, a housing assembly, and a heatexchanger. The motor assembly has a stator, a rotor, a motor outputshaft and a motor controller. The rotor is received in the stator and isrotatable relative to the stator about a motor output shaft axis. Themotor output shaft is coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith. Themotor controller is configured to control a rotational speed of therotor relative to the stator. The motor controller includes an inverter.The output gear is rotatable about an output axis. The differentialassembly has a differential input member and a pair of differentialoutput members. The differential input member is coupled to the outputgear for rotation therewith about the output axis. Each of thedifferential output members is rotatable about the output axis relativeto the differential input member. The transmission is configured totransmit rotary power between the motor output shaft and the outputgear. The housing assembly has a first housing portion and a secondhousing portion. The transmission is at least partly housed in the firsthousing portion. The second housing portion has a first axial end and aheat exchanger mount. The first axial end of the second housing portionis removably mounted to the first housing portion. The second housingportion houses the stator, the rotor, and at least a portion of themotor controller that includes the inverter. The housing assemblydefines a sump, a pump mount, and a filter mount. The sump is configuredto hold a first liquid that is employed in the electronic drive moduleto lubricate the motor assembly, the differential assembly and thetransmission and to cool the motor assembly. The heat exchanger ismounted to the heat exchanger mount on the second housing portion. Theheat exchanger has a heat exchanger inlet and at least one heatexchanger outlet. The pump mount is in fluid communication with thesump. A first internal gallery in the housing assembly fluidly couplesthe pump mount to an inlet on the filter mount. A second internalgallery in the housing assembly fluidly couples an outlet on the filtermount to the heat exchanger inlet. A third internal gallery in thehousing assembly is fluidly coupled directly to the at least one heatexchanger outlet. A first portion of the first fluid that is transmittedthrough the third internal gallery is directed into the at least one ofthe stator and the rotor for cooling the motor assembly. A secondportion of the first fluid that is transmitted through the thirdinternal gallery is directed into the first housing portion forlubricating at least one of the transmission and the differentialassembly.

In another form, the present disclosure provides an electric drivemodule that includes a motor assembly, an output gear, a differentialassembly, a transmission, a housing assembly, a pump, and a heatexchanger. The motor assembly has a stator, a rotor, a motor outputshaft and a motor controller. The rotor is received in the stator and isrotatable relative to the stator about a motor output shaft axis. Themotor output shaft is coupled to the rotor for rotation therewith. Themotor controller is configured to control a rotational speed of therotor relative to the stator. The motor controller including aninverter. The output gear is rotatable about an output axis. Thedifferential assembly has a differential input member and a pair ofdifferential output members. The differential input member is coupled tothe output gear for rotation therewith about the output axis. Each ofthe differential output members is rotatable about the output axisrelative to the differential input member. The transmission isconfigured to transmit rotary power between the motor output shaft andthe output gear. The housing assembly has a first housing portion, asecond housing portion and a cover. The transmission is at least partlyhoused in the first housing portion. The second housing portion has afirst axial end and a heat exchanger mount. The first axial end of thesecond housing portion is removably mounted to the first housingportion. The second housing portion houses the stator, the rotor, and atleast a portion of the motor controller that includes the inverter. Thecover closes an end of the second housing portion that is opposite thefirst housing portion. The housing assembly defines a sump that isconfigured to hold a first liquid. The first liquid is employed in theelectronic drive module to lubricate the motor assembly, thedifferential assembly and the transmission and to cool the motorassembly. The pump is coupled to the housing assembly and such that thepump is fluidly coupled to the sump to receive the first liquidtherefrom. The pump is configured to discharge a flow of the firstfluid. The heat exchanger is mounted to the heat exchanger mount on thesecond housing portion. The heat exchanger has a heat exchanger inlet, afirst heat exchanger outlet and a second heat exchanger outlet. A firstinternal gallery is formed in the housing assembly. The first galleryreceives at least a portion of the flow of the first fluid. The firstinternal gallery is fluidly coupled directly to the heat exchanger inletsuch that the first fluid that is discharged from the first internalgallery is received into the heat exchanger. A second internal galleryis formed in the housing assembly. The second internal gallery isfluidly coupled directly to the first heat exchanger outlet such that afirst portion of the first fluid that is discharged from the heatexchanger is received into the second internal gallery. The firstportion of the first fluid is directed into the first housing portionfor lubricating at least one of the transmission and the differentialassembly. A third internal gallery is formed in the cover. The thirdinternal gallery is fluidly coupled directly to the second heatexchanger outlet such that a second portion of the first fluid that isdischarged from the heat exchanger is directed into the cover. The firstfluid that exits the cover is directed into the at least one of thestator and the rotor for cooling the motor assembly.

In another form, the present disclosure provides an electric drivemodule that includes a beam axle housing, a differential assembly, apair of axle shafts, a multi-phase electric motor and a transmission.The beam axle housing has a central portion and a pair of axle tubesthat are fixedly coupled to and extend laterally from opposite lateralsides of the central portion. The differential assembly is received inthe central portion and has a differential input member, which isrotatable about an output axis relative to the central portion, and apair of differential output members that are rotatable relative to thedifferential input member about the output axis. Each of the axle shaftsis received in an associated one of the axle tubes and is coupled to anassociated one of the differential output members for rotation therewithabout the output axis. The multi-phase motor assembly has a motorhousing, a stator, a rotor and an inverter. The motor housing is fixedlycoupled to the central portion of the beam axle housing. The stator hasa stator core and a plurality of field windings that are wound about thestator core. Each of the field windings is associated with a differentelectrical phase. The stator is received into and is fixedly coupled tothe motor housing. The rotor is rotatable relative to the stator about amotor output shaft axis. The rotor has a motor output shaft. Theinverter is housed in the motor housing and is electrically coupled tothe field windings. The inverter is configured to control a supply ofelectrical power to each of the field windings. The transmission isreceived in the central portion and transmits rotary power between themotor output shaft and the differential input member.

In another form, the present disclosure provides an electric drivemodule that includes a carrier housing, a pair of axle tubes, adifferential assembly, a first transmission housing, a first motorassembly, a first transmission and a pair of axle shafts. The carrierhousing defines a pair of axle tube apertures. Each of the axle tubes isreceived into an associated one of the axle tube apertures and isfixedly coupled to the carrier housing. The differential assembly isrotatably mounted to the carrier housing and includes a pair ofdifferential output members. The first transmission housing is removablycoupled to the carrier housing. The first motor assembly has a firstmotor housing and a first electric motor with a first stator and a firstrotor. The first motor housing is coupled to the first transmissionhousing. The first stator is fixedly coupled to the first motor housing.The first rotor is received in the first stator and has a first motoroutput shaft that is rotatable about a first motor output shaft axis.The first transmission is received in the first transmission housing andtransmits rotary power between the first motor output shaft and thedifferential assembly. Each of the axle shafts extends through anassociated one of the axle tubes and is driving engaged to acorresponding one of the differential output members.

In a further form, the present disclosure provides an electric drivemodule that includes a beam axle housing, a differential assembly, apair of axle shafts, a pair of multi-phase motor assemblies and a pairof transmissions. The beam axle housing has a central portion and a pairof axle tubes. The central portion includes two clam-shell halves, eachof which defining an axle tube aperture. Each of the axle tubes isreceived into the axle tube aperture of and is fixedly coupled to anassociated one of the clam-shell halves such that the axle tubes extendlaterally from opposite lateral sides of the central portion. Thedifferential assembly is received in the central portion and has adifferential input member, which is rotatable about an output axisrelative to the central portion, and a pair of differential outputmembers that are rotatable relative to the differential input memberabout the output axis. Each of the axle shafts is received in anassociated one of the axle tubes and is coupled to an associated one ofthe differential output members for rotation therewith about the outputaxis. Each multi-phase motor assembly has a motor housing, a stator, arotor and an inverter. The motor housing is fixedly coupled to thecentral portion of the beam axle housing. The stator has a stator coreand a plurality of field windings that are wound about the stator core.Each of the field windings is associated with a different electricalphase. The stator is received into and is fixedly coupled to the motorhousing. The rotor is rotatable relative to the stator about a motoroutput shaft axis and includes a motor output shaft. The inverter ishoused in the motor housing and is electrically coupled to the fieldwindings. The inverter is configured to control a supply of electricalpower to each of the field windings. Each transmission is received inthe central portion and transmits rotary power between an associated oneof the motor axle shafts and the differential input member.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exemplary electric drive moduleconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the electric drive module of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the electric drive moduleof FIG. 1 in which a portion of a housing assembly is removed to betterillustrate a transmission, a differential assembly and a portion of anelectric motor assembly;

FIG. 4 is a section view of a portion of the electric drive module ofFIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the electric drive moduleof FIG. 1 illustrating the configuration of an axle tube assembly;

FIG. 6 is a section view of a portion of the electric drive module ofFIG. 1 taken through the axle tube assembly and a wheel mount on an axleshaft;

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a second exemplary electric drivemodule constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 8 and 9 are section views taken through the electric drive moduleof FIG. 7 and illustrating a transmission;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a third exemplary electric drivemodule constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the electric drive module of FIG.10 ;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of the electric drive module of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a section view of a portion of the electric drive module ofFIG. 10 ;

FIG. 13A is a section view of a portion of an alternately constructedelectric drive module illustrating a portion of a housing assembly, atransmission and a differential;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a portion of the electric drive moduleof FIG. 13A illustrating a portion of the transmission and thedifferential in more detail;

FIGS. 14 and 15 are rear perspective views of a fourth exemplaryelectric drive module constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the electric drive module of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a section view of a portion of the electric drive module ofFIG. 14 ;

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of a portion of a fifth exemplaryelectric drive module constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the electric drive module of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a section view taken along the line 20-20 of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 21 is a section view taken along the line 21-21 of FIG. 19 ;

FIG. 22 is a section view taken along the line 22-22 of FIG. 19 ;

FIGS. 23 and 24 are rear perspective views of a sixth exemplary electricdrive module constructed in accordance with the teachings of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 25 is a side elevation view of the electric drive module of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a section view taken along the line 26-26 of FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 27 is a section view taken along the line 27-27 of FIG. 25 ;

FIG. 27A is a perspective view of an electric drive module that issimilar to that of FIG. 23 but which employs two electric driveassemblies;

FIGS. 28 and 29 are rear perspective views of a seventh exemplaryelectric drive module constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 30 is a side elevation view of the electric drive module of FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a section view taken along the line 31-31 of FIG. 30 ;

FIG. 32 is a section view taken along the line 32-32 of FIG. 30 ;

FIG. 33 is a section view taken along the line 33-33 of FIG. 30 ;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are rear perspective views of a portion of an eighthexemplary electric drive module constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 36 is a side elevation view of the electric drive module of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a section view taken along the line 37-37 of FIG. 36 ;

FIG. 39 is a section view taken along the line 38-38 of FIG. 36 ;

FIG. 39 is a section view taken along the line 39-39 of FIG. 36 ;

FIG. 40 is a rear perspective view of a portion of a ninth exemplaryelectric drive module constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present disclosure;

FIG. 41 is a front perspective view of a portion of the electric drivemodule of FIG. 40 ;

FIG. 42 is a side elevation view of the electric drive module of FIG. 40;

FIG. 43 is a section view taken along the line 43-43 of FIG. 42 ;

FIG. 44 is a section view taken along the line 44-44 of FIG. 42 ;

FIG. 45 is a section view taken along the line 45-45 of FIG. 42 ;

FIGS. 46 and 47 are rear perspective views of a portion of a tenthexemplary electric drive module constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 48 and 49 are front perspective views of a portion of the electricdrive module of FIG. 46 ;

FIGS. 50 and 51 are rear perspective views of a portion of an eleventhexemplary electric drive module constructed in accordance with theteachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 52 is a section view of a portion of the electric drive module ofFIG. 50 ;

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of an electric drive module similar tothat of FIG. 50 but which employs a Banjo housing; and

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of another electric drive module similarto that of FIG. 53 but employing two motor assemblies.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 3 , an exemplary electric drive moduleconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosureis generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The electric drivemodule 10 can include a housing assembly 12, an electric motor assembly14, a transmission 16, a differential 18, and a pair of axle shaftassemblies 20. The electric motor assembly 14 can be similar to thatwhich is described in International Patent Application Publication No.WO 2020/219955 published on Oct. 29, 2020 and International PatentApplication No. PCT/US2020/062541 filed on Nov. 30, 2020, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference as if set forth indetail herein. Briefly, the electric motor assembly 14 comprises anelectric motor 26 and a lubrication and cooling system 28. The electricmotor 26 is a multi-phase electric motor and includes a stator S, whichcan have a stator core SC and a plurality of field windings FW, aninverter I and a rotor R having a motor output shaft 30 (FIG. 3 ) thatis rotatable about a motor output shaft axis 32 that is parallel to anoutput axis 34 of the electric drive module 10. Each of the fieldwindings FW is wound about the stator core SC and is associated with adifferent phase of electrical power. The inverter I is electricallycoupled to the field windings FW and is configured to control a supplyof electrical power to each of the field windings FW. The inverter I ismounted in a motor housing that houses the stator S and the rotor R. Thelubrication and cooling system 28 comprises a pump 40 (FIG. 2 ), acooling system heat exchanger 42 (FIG. 2 ), and other components (notspecifically shown) that direct and control the flow of a fluid throughthe electric motor 26, the transmission 16 and the differential 18 forpurposes of cooling and/or lubricating various components of theelectric motor assembly 14, the transmission 16 and the differential 18.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 4 , the housing assembly 12 is a beam axleand can include a central portion or carrier housing 50 and a pair ofaxle tube assemblies 52. The carrier housing 50 can be formed as two orcomponents that are assembled to one another and can define a pair ofaxle tube mounts 56, a motor mount 58, and an internal cavity 60 intowhich the transmission 16 and the differential 18 can be received. Eachof the axle tube mounts 56 can comprise a tubular portion 64 that isfixedly coupled (e.g., unitarily and integrally formed with) a wallportion 66. One or more gussets 68 can be coupled to the tubular portion64 and the wall portion 66. The tubular portions 64 can be disposedconcentrically about the output axis 34. The electric motor assembly 14is fixedly coupled to the motor mount 58 such that the motor outputshaft 30 (FIG. 3 ) is disposed within the internal cavity 60.

In the particular example provided, the carrier housing 50 comprises afirst housing member 70 and a second housing member 72 that areconfigured as mating clam shell halves. The first and second housingmembers 70 and 71 are secured to one another via a plurality of threadedfasteners (not specifically shown). The first and second housing members70 and 72 are split from one another about a plane P that intersects theoutput axis 34. As shown, the plane P is perpendicular to the outputaxis 34, but it will be appreciated that the plane P could be orienteddifferently. The motor mount 58 is disposed on the first housing member70 in the example shown.

With reference to FIGS. 4 through 6 , each of the axle tube assemblies52 can include an axle tube 80 and an axle tube flange 82. Each axletube 80 can be received into the tubular portion 64 of an associated oneof the axle tube mounts 56 and can be fixedly coupled to the carrierhousing 50 in any desired manner. In the example provided, the axletubes 80 engage the tubular portions 64 of the axle tube mounts 56 withan interference fit so that bending loads are transmitted through theaxle tubes 80 into the carrier housing 50. One or more slug welds 86(FIG. 2 ) can be employed to inhibit movement of the axle tubes 80, bothrotationally about the output axis 34 and axially along the output axis34 relative to the carrier housing 50. The axle tube flange 82 can beformed as a separate piece and can be coupled in any desired manner toan end of the axle tube 80 that is opposite the carrier housing 50. Inthe example provided, the axle tube flange 82 is friction welded to theaxle tube 80.

With reference to FIG. 3 , the transmission 16 can include a pinion gear90, a pair of compound gears 92 and a transmission output gear 94. Thepinion gear 90 can be coupled to the motor output shaft 30 for rotationtherewith. Each of the compound gears 92 can include a first gear 96,which is meshed to the pinion gear 90, and a second gear 98 that isrotationally coupled to the first gear 96. The transmission output gear94 is disposed concentrically about the output axis 34 and is meshinglyengaged with the second gears 98. In the example provided, each of thepinion gear 90, the first gears 96, the second gears 98, and thetransmission output gear 94 are helical gears, but it will beappreciated that other types of gear tooth profiles, such as spur gears,could be employed in the alternative for some or all of the gears of thetransmission 16.

With reference to FIG. 4 , a first bearing 100 can be employed tosupport the transmission output gear 94 axially along the output axis 34and radially about the output axis 34 relative to the carrier housing50. In the example provided, the first bearing 100 is a four-pointangular contact bearing having a first race 102, which is disposed onthe carrier housing 50, a second race 104, which is disposed on thetransmission output gear 94, and a plurality of rolling elements 106that are disposed between the first and second races 102 and 104. Thefirst race 102 can comprise a pair of race members 110 and 112 that canbe received onto a tubular segment 114 formed on the first housingmember 70. The race member 112 can be abutted against a shoulder 116 onthe first housing member 70. A plurality of threaded fasteners 120 andBelville spring washers 122 can be employed to secure the race members110 and 112 to the first housing member 70 and to apply a pre-load forceonto the first bearing 100. The second race 104 can be fully or partlyformed directly on the transmission output gear 94.

Returning to FIG. 3 , each of the compound gears 92 can be supported bya second bearing 130 and a third bearing 132. Each second bearing 130 isconfigured to support its compound gear 92 relative to the secondhousing member 72 (FIG. 4 ) axially along the rotational axis of thecompound gear 92 and radially about the rotational axis of the compoundgear 92. Each third bearing 132 is configured to support its compoundgear 92 relative to the first housing member 70 radially about therotational axis of the compound gear 92.

A shaft 140 can be non-rotatably coupled to each of the compound gears92 and can extend from the second gear 98 in a direction away from thefirst gear 96. If desired, the shaft 140 can be integrally and unitarilyformed with the second gear 98. A park lock gear 142 can benon-rotatably coupled to each of the shafts 140. The park lock gears 142can be engaged by a parking pawl (not shown) to inhibit rotation of thetransmission output gear 94. In the example shown, the second bearings130 are disposed along the rotational axes of the compound gears atlocations that are between the park lock gears 142 and the second gears98.

Returning to FIG. 4 , the differential 18 can include a differentialinput member 150, which is coupled to the transmission output gear 94for rotation therewith, and a pair of differential output members 152that are rotatable about the output axis 34 relative to the differentialinput member 150. In the example provided, the differential input member150 is a differential case, the differential 18 includes a differentialgearset 158, and the differential output members 152 are gears in thedifferential gearset 158. The differential case can have a flange 160that is abutted against the transmission output gear 94. A plurality ofthreaded fasteners 162 are received through the flange 160 and arethreaded into the transmission output gear 94 to fixedly couple thedifferential input member 150 to the transmission output gear 94. Thethreaded fasteners 162 that are fitted through the flange 160 aredisposed radially outwardly of the threaded fasteners 120 that securethe first race 102 of the first bearing 100 to the first housing member70. Configuration in this manner permits the transmission 16, the firstbearing 100, the Belleville spring washers 122 and the threadedfasteners 120 to be assembled to the first housing member 70 andthereafter the differential 18 to be assembled to the transmissionoutput gear 94.

Optionally, the differential 18 can include a limited slip or lockingmechanism. In the example shown, the differential 18 is an electroniclocking differential having a dog clutch 170 and an electromagnet 172.The dog clutch 170 includes a first dog 174, which is axially slidablybut non-rotatably coupled to the differential input member 150, and asecond dog 176 that is non-rotatably coupled to one of the differentialoutput members 152. The electromagnet 172 can be operated to drive thefirst dog 174 along the output axis 34 into engagement with the seconddog 176 to thereby inhibit speed differentiation between thedifferential output members 152. A spring 178 can be disposed betweenthe first and second dogs 174 and 176 and can urge the first dog 174apart from the second dog 176 when the electromagnet 172 is notoperated.

While a first bearing 100 has been described as directly supporting thetransmission output gear 94 for rotation on the housing assembly 12 tothereby indirectly support the differential 18 for rotation relative tothe housing assembly 12, it will be appreciated that the electric drivemodule 10 could be constructed somewhat differently. For example, thedifferential input member 150 could be supported on a pair of bearingsthat are mounted on the housing assembly in the manner that is shown inFIGS. 10-13 .

In FIGS. 4 and 6 , each of the axle shaft assemblies 20 can include anaxle shaft 180, a bearing mount 182 and a bearing set 184. The axleshaft 180 has a shaft member 190, which is non-rotatably coupled to anassociated one of the differential output members 152, and a wheel mount192. The bearing mount 182 can be received coaxially about the shaftmember 190. The bearing set 184 is disposed on the shaft member 180against a shoulder 196 that is formed on the shaft member 190. Thebearing set 184 is disposed radially between the shaft member 190 andthe bearing mount 182. In the example shown, the bearing set 184comprises a pair of tapered roller bearings and the outer bearing racesof the tapered roller bearings is unitarily and integrally formed withthe bearing mount 182. A wedding ring 200 can be fitted to the shaftmember 190 to inhibit axial movement of the inner bearing races of thetapered roller bearings along the shaft member 190. A tone ring 206 canbe mounted to the shaft member 190. Threaded fasteners 210 can beemployed to secure the bearing mount 182 to the axle tube flange 82. Inthe example provided, the threaded fasteners 210 also secure a calipermount 212 and a dust shield 214 to the bearing mount 182 and the axletube flange 82.

With reference to FIGS. 7 through 9 , another electric drive moduleconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosureis generally indicated by reference numeral 10 a. The electric drivemodule 10 a is generally similar to the electric drive module 10 (FIG. 1) that is described in detail above, except for the configuration of thetransmission 16 a and for modifications to the carrier housing 50 a toaccommodate the transmission 16 a. The transmission 16 a employs afurther reduction between the second gears 98 and the transmissionoutput gear 94 so that the second gears 98 do not directly mesh with thetransmission output gear 94. More specifically, the transmission 16 aincludes a second compound gear 250, which has a third gear 252, whichis meshingly engaged to the second gears 98 of the compound gears 92,and a fourth gear 254 that is non-rotatably coupled to the third gear252 and meshingly engaged with the transmission output gear 94. Fourthand fifth bearings (not shown), which can be similar to the second andthird bearings 130 and 132 (FIG. 3 ), can be employed to axially androtationally support the compound gear 250 relative to the carrierhousing 50 a.

With reference to FIGS. 10-13 , another exemplary electric drive moduleconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosureis generally indicated by reference numeral 10 b. The electric drivemodule 10 b can be generally similar to the electric drive module 10(FIG. 1 ), except for the configuration of the housing assembly 12 b andthe differential 18 b. More specifically, the differential 18 b caninclude a differential input member 150 that can be configured as adifferential case that can housing a plurality of differential pinions(not specifically shown) and a pair of side gears 152 b that serve asdifferential output members. The differential input member 150 isfixedly coupled to the transmission output gear 94. A pair of bearings300 support the differential input member 150 relative to the housingassembly 12 b. In the example provided, the bearings 300 comprisetapered roller bearings, but it will be appreciated that the bearings300 could be configured differently, for example as angular contactbearings. The tapered roller bearings can be pre-loaded in respectiveaxial directions in any desired manner, such as with shims. In theexample of FIGS. 13A and 13B, a bearing adjuster arrangement A isemployed to axially pre-load one of the bearings 300. The bearingadjuster arrangement A includes a threaded adjustment bushing B havingthreads BT that are threaded into housing threads HT formed in thehousing assembly 12 b′. The adjustment bushing B is tightened againstthe outer bearing race OBR of a respective one of the bearings 300 toapply a desired clamping force to the respective one of the bearings300. A clip C, which is coupled to the housing assembly 12 b′ with athreaded fastener, is engaged to the adjustment bushing B to inhibitrotation of the adjustment bushing B relative to the housing assembly 12b′. Optionally, a speed sensor SS can be employed to sense a rotationalspeed of the differential input member 150. In the example illustrated,the speed sensor SS includes a sensor target ST, which is coupled to thedifferential input member 150 for rotation therewith, and a sensor SEthat senses the sensor target ST as the sensor target ST rotates. In theexample provided, the sensor SE is a Hall-effect sensor and is mountedto the housing assembly 12 b′.

FIGS. 14-17 depict an electric drive module 10 c that is similar to thatof FIGS. 10-13 , except for the configuration of the carrier housing 50c.

FIGS. 18-22 depict yet another electric drive module 10 d constructed inaccordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The electricdrive module 10 d is similar to that of FIGS. 14-17 , except that thecarrier housing 50 d is configured to accommodate two electric motorassemblies 14 and two transmissions 16. It will be appreciated that eachof the electric motor assemblies 14 can drive a respective pinion gear(not specifically shown), which can in turn drive a pair of compoundgears 92. However, the two transmissions 16 have a single or commontransmission output gear 94 that is engaged by the two pairs of compoundgears 92. In the particular example provided, the motor output shaftaxes 32 are parallel to one another and the output axis 34 is disposedbetween the motor output shaft axes 32.

FIGS. 23-27 depict another electric drive module 10 e that is generallysimilar to the electric drive module 10 d of FIGS. 18-22 except for theconfiguration of the carrier housing 50 e. In this example, the carrierhousing 50 e includes a center section 310, and a pair of end covers312. The center section 310 defines the axle tube mounts 56, as well asfirst and second flanges (not specifically shown), respectively, thatare parallel to and spaced apart from the output axis. Each of the endcovers defines an associated motor mount 58, which is configured toreceive an associated one of the electric motor assemblies 14 therein,and is configured to house the pinion gear 90 and the pair of compoundgears 92 of a respective one of the transmissions 16. The end covers 312cooperate with the center section 310 to form the internal cavity 60into which the differential (not specifically shown) and the single orcommon transmission output gear (not specifically shown) are received.

FIG. 27A depicts an electric drive module 10 e′ that is similar to thatof FIG. 23 , except that the two electric motor assemblies 14 arearranged on a common side of the carrier housing 50 e and are mounted tothe opposite lateral sides of a single end cover 312′. In this regard,the motor axes 32 are coincident with one another and are disposed on acommon side of the output axis 34. The electric motor assemblies 14 caneach be employed to drive a respective transmission 16, or could beemployed to drive a transmission that is common to both of the electricmotor assemblies 14. A cover CV can be employed to close the carrierhousing 50 e on a side of the carrier housing 50 e that is opposite theend cover 312′. Alternatively, the end cover 312′ or the cover CV couldbe unitarily and integrally formed with the carrier housing 50 e.

FIGS. 28-33 depict an example of an electric drive module that isgenerally similar to the embodiment that is depicted in FIGS. 14-17 .

FIGS. 34-39 depict a further example of an electric drive moduleconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.The electric drive module 10 g has a carrier housing 50 g that includesa center section 310 g, and an end cover (not specifically shown). Thecenter section 310 g defines the axle tube mounts 56, as well as aflange 320 that is parallel to and spaced apart from the output axis.The end cover defines an associated motor mount, which is configured toreceive the electric motor assembly 14 therein, and is configured tohouse the pinion gear 90 and the pair of compound gears 92 of thetransmission 16. The end cover cooperates with the center section 310 gto form the internal cavity 60 into which the differential 18 and thetransmission output gear 94 are received.

FIGS. 40-45 depict an example of an electric drive module that isgenerally similar to the embodiment that is depicted in FIGS. 34-39except that the carrier housing 50 h is configured such that the centersection 310 h defines the axle tube mounts 56, the motor mount 58 andthe flange 320. The motor mount 58 is configured to receive the electricmotor assembly 14 therein, and is configured to house the pinion gear 90and the pair of compound gears 92 of the transmission 16. The flange 320is parallel to and spaced apart from the output axis. The end cover (notshown) is configured as a conventional axle cover and mounts to theflange 320 to close the interior cavity 60.

FIGS. 46 through 49 depict an electric drive module that is similar tothat of FIGS. 23-27 , but which positions a stacked plate-type heatexchanger directly on the motor housing of each of the electric motorassemblies. Two elbows projecting from each of the heat exchangers andare employed to route a cooling fluid into and out of each heatexchanger. A pump mount, to which a pump can be mounted, and a filtermount, to which a filter can be mounted, can be incorporated into one orboth of the end covers. The pump can draw fluid from a sump that can belocated in an associated one of the end covers, and optionally in thecarrier housing and optionally in the opposite end cover. The pump candischarge pressurized fluid that can be routed to the filter throughgalleries that are internal to the end cover. Pressurized fluid exitingthe filter can be routed to the heat exchanger(s) through galleries thatare internal to the housing assembly. In the example shown, internalgalleries are formed in the end cover and the motor housing that fluidlyconnect the filter to the heat exchanger. The pressurized fluid iscooled in the heat exchanger and is routed through the inverter andother portions of the electric motor assemblies that are housed in themotor housing.

With reference to FIGS. 50 through 52 , yet another vehicle drivecomponent 10 f that is constructed in accordance with the teachings ofthe present disclosure is illustrated. The vehicle drive component 10 fis generally similar to the vehicle drive component 10 (FIG. 1 ) exceptfor the configuration of the housing assembly 12 f and the lubricationand cooling system 28 f.

The housing assembly 12 f comprises a carrier housing 50 f that includesa carrier housing 400, a cover 402, a transmission housing 404 and amotor housing 406. The carrier housing 400 is configured to house thedifferential 18 (FIG. 4 ) and includes the axle tube mounts 56 thatreceive the axle tube assemblies 52. As in the example of FIG. 1 , atleast one bearing 100 (FIG. 4 ) is mounted to the housing assembly 12 fto directly support one of the differential 18 (FIG. 4 ) and thedifferential input member 150 (FIG. 4 ) for rotation relative to thehousing assembly 12 f about the output axis 34 (FIG. 4 ). The cover 402is mounted to a first side of the carrier housing 400 and can close afirst side of the internal cavity (not specifically shown) that isformed by the carrier housing 400. The transmission housing 404 can bemounted to a second side of the carrier housing 400 that is opposite thefirst side and can close a second side of the internal cavity. Thetransmission housing 404 is configured to house various components ofthe transmission 16 (FIG. 3 ), such as the pinion gear 90 (FIG. 3 ) andthe compound gears 92 (FIG. 3 ). The transmission housing 404 is alsounitarily and integrally configured with both a pump mount 410 and afilter mount 412. The pump 40 is configured to mount to the pump mount410. The pump mount 410 fluidly couples a suction side of the pump 40 toa sump (not shown) to permit the pump 40 to draw fluid from the sump S.A filter 418 is configured to mount to the filter mount 412. Highpressure fluid discharged by the pump 40 is transmitted through anoutlet formed in the pump mount 410, then to a first internal gallery420 in the transmission housing 404, and then to an inlet in the filtermount 412, which directs the pressurized fluid into an inlet of thefilter 418. Fluid passes through the filter 418, is discharged from thefilter 418 into an outlet of the filter mount 412, and passes into asecond internal gallery 424 that is unitarily and integrally formed withthe transmission housing 404. The transmission housing 404 furtherdefines a third internal gallery 428 that is integrally and unitarilyformed with the transmission housing 404 and which is configured toreceive fluid that is employed to lubricate and/or cool variouscomponents of the transmission 16 (FIG. 3 ), the differential 18 (FIG. 4) and the electric motor 26, such as the rotor 430 of the electric motor26.

The motor housing 406 is fixedly coupled to the transmission housing 404and extends generally parallel to one of the axle tube assemblies 52.The motor housing 406 houses the electric motor assembly 14, includingthe electric motor 26 and an inverter 434. Fourth and fifth internalgalleries 438 and 442, respectively, are unitarily and integrally formedwith the motor housing 406. The fourth internal gallery 438 is coupledin fluid communication to the second internal gallery 424 in thetransmission housing 404, while the fifth internal gallery 442 iscoupled in fluid communication to the third internal gallery 428 in thetransmission housing 404. One or more gaskets or seals can be employedto seal between the transmission housing 404 and the motor housing 406,as well as to seal between the second and fourth internal galleries 424and 438, and to seal between the third and fifth internal galleries 428and 442.

The motor housing cover 402 is configured to close an end of the motorhousing 406 that is opposite the transmission housing 404 and to directfluid into the electric motor assembly 14 to cool and/or lubricate theelectric motor assembly 14 (e.g., the field windings FW of the stator446 of the electric motor 26 and the inverter 434). The motor housingcover 402 can define a sixth internal gallery 450 that can be coupled influid communication to a coolant intake conduit 462 formed on aninverter mount 464 of the inverter 434. Fluid directed through thecoolant intake conduit in the inverter mount 464 can be directed to coola plurality of power semiconductors 468 in the inverter 434, as well asto various cooling channels 470 formed longitudinally through a body orcore of the stator 446. One or more gaskets and/or seals (notspecifically shown) can seal between the motor housing 406 and the motorhousing cover 402, and optionally between the sixth internal gallery 450and the coolant intake conduit 462.

The cooling system heat exchanger 42 f can be mounted to the motorhousing 406 and can close an open portion of the motor housing 406 inwhich the inverter 434 is housed. The cooling system heat exchanger 42 fcan have a first fluid inlet 480, which can be coupled in fluidcommunication to the fourth internal gallery 438 in the motor housing406, a first fluid outlet 482, which can be coupled in fluidcommunication to the fifth internal gallery 442, and a second fluidoutlet 484, which can be coupled in fluid communication to the sixthinternal gallery 450. One or more gaskets and/or seals (not specificallyshown) can seal between the motor housing 406 and the cooling systemheat exchanger 42 f, as well as between the first fluid inlet 480 andthe fourth internal gallery 438, the first fluid outlet 482 and thefifth internal gallery 442, and the second fluid outlet 484 and thesixth internal gallery 450.

In operation, the pump 40 can draw fluid from the sump S. Pressurizedfluid exiting the pump 40 can be communicated through the first internalgallery 420 to the filter mount 412, where at least a portion of thepressurized fluid can be transmitted through the filter 418. Fluidexiting the filter 418 is transmitted through the second and fourthinternal galleries 424 and 438 to the first fluid inlet 480 in thecooling system heat exchanger 42 f. This fluid is circulated through thecooling system heat exchanger 42 f, permitting heat in the fluid to berejected to a cooling fluid that is also circulated through the coolingsystem heat exchanger 42 f. Cooled (pressurized, filtered) fluid canexit the cooling system heat exchanger 42 f through the first fluidoutlet 482 and the second fluid outlet 484. Fluid passing through thefirst fluid outlet 482 is transmitted through the fifth and thirdinternal galleries 442 and 428, while fluid passing through the secondfluid outlet 484 is transmitted through the sixth internal gallery 450.

The example of FIG. 53 is similar to that of the example of FIGS. 50-52, except that the housing assembly is fashioned as a Banjo housing. Inthis regard, the carrier housing CH is formed from two housing segmentsH1, H2 that are mated along a plane that includes the output axis 34 andbisects the carrier housing CH into generally symmetrical upper andlower halves. A cover CVR is fixedly coupled to a rear end of thecarrier housing CH, and a carrier CA is fixedly coupled to a front endof the carrier housing CH. The differential assembly DA is rotatablymounted to an interior side of the carrier CA, while the transmissionhousing 404 is mounted to an exterior side of the carrier CA.

The example of FIG. 54 is similar to the example of FIG. 53 , butemploys two electric motor assemblies 14 that are mounted to theexterior side of the carrier CA.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electric drive module comprising: a housingassembly that defines an output axis, the housing assembly having acarrier housing and a pair of axle tubes, the carrier housing having apair of carrier housing members that are mated to one another across afirst plane that intersects the output axis at a point, the carrierhousing defining a carrier cavity, each of the axle tubes being fixedlycoupled to a corresponding one of the carrier housing members; adifferential assembly received in the carrier cavity, the differentialassembly having a differential input member, which is supported by thecarrier housing for rotation about the output axis, and a pair ofdifferential output members; a pair of output shafts, each of the outputshafts being received in a corresponding one of the axle tubes and beingcoupled for rotation with a corresponding one of the differential outputmembers; a first electric motor mounted to the exterior of a first oneof the carrier housing members, the first electric motor having a firstmotor shaft that extends through the first one of the carrier housingmembers into the carrier cavity; a first transmission received in thecarrier cavity, the first transmission transmitting rotary power betweenthe first motor shaft and the differential input member; a firstinverter mounted to the first electric motor; a first heat exchangermounted to the first one of the carrier housing members; a first coolantpump coupled to the housing assembly, the first coolant pump beingconfigured to pump a cooling fluid through a first cooling circuit thatfluidly couples the first heat exchanger and the first electric motor.2. The electric drive module of claim 1, wherein the first coolingcircuit passes through the first inverter.
 3. The electric drive moduleof claim 1, wherein the first transmission includes a transmissionoutput gear that is mounted on a bearing, and wherein the bearingsupports the transmission output gear for rotation about the output axisrelative to the carrier housing.
 4. The electric drive module of claim3, wherein the bearing includes an outer bearing race, which isassembled onto the transmission output gear, and an inner bearing racethat is received on an annular shoulder formed on the carrier housing.5. The electric drive module of claim 4, wherein the annular shoulder isformed on the first one of the carrier housing members.
 6. The electricdrive module of claim 1, wherein the housing assembly further includes apair of axle tube flanges and a pair of bearing mounts, each of the axletube flanges being fixedly coupled to an end of an associated one of theaxle tubes that is opposite the carrier housing, each of the bearingmounts being removably coupled to an associated one of the axle tubeflanges, and wherein a pair of axle shaft bearings are received intoeach of the bearing mounts, each pair of axle shaft bearings supportingan associated one of the output shafts for rotation about the outputaxis relative to the housing assembly.
 7. The electric drive module ofclaim 6, wherein each pair of axle shaft bearings has a pair of outerbearing races that are unitarily and integrally formed with acorresponding one of the bearing mounts.
 8. The electric drive module ofclaim 1, further comprising: a second electric motor mounted to theexterior of the second one of the carrier housing members, the secondelectric motor having a second motor shaft that extends through thesecond one of the carrier housing members into the carrier cavity; and asecond transmission received in the carrier cavity, the secondtransmission transmitting rotary power between the second motor shaftand the differential input member.
 9. The electric drive module of claim8, further comprising: a second inverter mounted to the second electricmotor; a second heat exchanger mounted to the second one of the carrierhousing members; a second coolant pump coupled to the housing assembly,the second coolant pump being configured to pump a second cooling fluidthrough a second cooling circuit that fluidly couples the second heatexchanger and the second electric motor.
 10. The electric drive moduleof claim 9, wherein the second cooling circuit passes through the secondinverter.
 11. The electric drive module of claim 8, wherein the firstmotor and the second motor are disposed on opposite sides of a secondplane, the output axis being disposed in the second plane, the secondplane being perpendicular to the first plane.
 12. The electric drivemodule of claim 11, wherein a rotational axis of the first motor shaft,a rotational axis of the second motor shaft and the output axis aredisposed in a third plane that is orthogonal to the first and secondplanes.
 13. The electric drive module of claim 8, wherein the firsttransmission and the second transmission output rotary power through acommon transmission output gear.
 14. The electric drive module of claim1, wherein the first transmission includes a transmission input gear,which is coupled to the first motor output shaft for rotation therewith,and a pair of first compound gears, each of the first compound gearshaving a first intermediate gear, which is meshingly engaged with thetransmission input gear, and a second intermediate gear that is coupledto the first intermediate gear for rotation therewith.
 15. The electricdrive module of claim 14, wherein the transmission further comprises apair of park-lock gears, each park-lock gear being coupled to acorresponding one of the first compound gears for rotation therewith.16. An electric drive module comprising: a housing assembly having acarrier housing and a pair of axle tubes, the carrier housing beingdisposed about an output axis and having a pair of housing members thatare joined together across an interface that extends in a plane that isperpendicular to the output axis, each of the housing members having anaxle tube mount, a first one of the housing members defining a firstmotor mount, each of the axle tubes being disposed in an associated oneof the axle tube mounts and being fixedly coupled to a corresponding oneof the housing members coaxially about the output axis; a differentialassembly received in the housing assembly, the differential assemblyhaving a differential input member, which is rotatable about the outputaxis relative to the housing assembly, and a pair of differential outputmembers that are rotatable about the output axis relative to thedifferential input member; a first motor assembly having a firstelectric motor and a first inverter, the first electric motor beingmounted to the first motor mount and extending from a first lateral sideof the housing assembly, the first inverter being mounted to the firstone of the housing members and being electrically coupled to the firstelectric motor; a first transmission received at least partly in asecond one of the housing members, the first transmission transmittingrotary power between the first electric motor and the differential inputmember; and a first heat exchanger mounted on the housing assembly, thefirst heat exchanger being in fluid communication with a first coolingcircuit that is configured to cool the first electric motor and thefirst inverter.
 17. The electric drive module of claim 16, wherein thefirst inverter is mounted on the first one of the housing members. 18.The electric drive module of claim 16, further comprising a firstcoolant pump in fluid communication with the first heat exchanger andthe first cooling circuit.
 19. The electric drive module of claim 16,wherein the differential input member is a helical gear.
 20. Theelectric drive module of claim 19, wherein a four-point angular contactbearing supports the differential input member for rotation relative tothe housing assembly.
 21. The electric drive module of claim 20, whereinthe four-point angular contact bearing is received on a tubular segmentof the housing assembly.
 22. The electric drive module of claim 19,wherein a bearing race is formed on the differential input member. 23.The electric drive module of claim 16, wherein the differential assemblyis an electronic locking differential assembly.
 24. The electric drivemodule of claim 16, wherein the first electric motor is offset from theaxle tubes such that a motor output shaft axis of the first electricmotor is parallel to the output axis and disposed outside the axletubes.
 25. The electric drive module of claim 16, further comprising: asecond motor assembly having a second electric motor and a secondinverter, the second electric motor being mounted to a first motor mountthat is formed on a second one of the housing members, the secondelectric motor extending from a second lateral side of the housingassembly that is opposite the first lateral side, the second inverterbeing mounted to the second one of the housing members and beingelectrically coupled to the second electric motor; a second transmissionreceived at least partly in the first one of the housing members, thesecond transmission transmitting rotary power between the secondelectric motor and the differential input member; and a second heatexchanger mounted on the housing assembly, the second heat exchangerbeing in fluid communication with a second cooling circuit that isconfigured to cool the second electric motor and the second inverter.26. The electric drive module of claim 25, wherein the second inverteris mounted on the second one of the housing members.
 27. The electricdrive module of claim 25, further comprising a coolant pump in fluidcommunication with the second heat exchanger and the second coolingcircuit.
 28. The electric drive module of claim 25, wherein the secondelectric motor is offset from the axle tubes such that a motor outputshaft axis of the second electric motor is parallel to the output axisand disposed outside the axle tubes.